Manchester United believe they are in a win-win situation with Jadon Sancho amid talk that Chelsea could terminate their obligation to buy the loanee winger this summer, according to reports. Sir Jim Ratcliffe claims that Sancho will cost United another £17million at the end of the season, the latest instalment of a £73m deal struck with Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
The Red Devils are primed for a financial boost to soften the blow, with Chelsea agreeing to pay between £22m and £25m to turn his loan into a permanent transfer. Chelsea will be obliged to sign Sancho if they finish higher than 15th in the Premier League, owing a larger fee the higher they place in May. However, Mail Sport report that the 24-year-old could return to Old Trafford if the Blues withdraw from the agreement at the cost of a 'significant penalty'.
The emerging news sparked concern among United supporters, given the bitter nature of Sancho's ill-fated time at the club.
Yet, club chiefs are said to share positivity about the prospect of the England international's potential return, should Chelsea escape their obligation.
According to GIVEMESPORT, United consider the scenario win-win because Chelsea would have to pay back all the salary the M16 giants have covered since his exit and more.
In the eyes of figures within the walls of Old Trafford, Chelsea will either pay between £22m to £25m to sign Sancho permanently or pay a sizable fee anyway and allow United to offload him elsewhere.
That said, the report adds that the Stamford Bridge outfit are happy with the attacker's contribution under Enzo Maresca and are still expected to go through with the signing.
Sancho has registered two goals and six assists in his 27 appearances for the club, regularly starting since moving to West London.
He hasn't exactly left United envious with his exploits, though, managing just three involvements in 19 Premier League games since providing an assist in his first three outings.
Many have pondered whether Sancho would suit one of the two attacking midfield positions in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system.
However, the Portuguese tactician will likely delve into the transfer market to bolster his attack rather than rely on a potential return.
United are set to prioritise the signing of a goalscorer in the summer, with Joshua Zirkzee bearing more fruit as one of Amorim's No. 10s than upfront.
Rasmus Hojlund has failed to score in his last 20 appearances, leaving the Red Devils damagingly short of goals.
But Amorim is also thought to be eyeing further attacking reinforcements in the form of a winger or attacking midfielder to improve chance creation.